By Andi Anderson
Indiana gubernatorial candidate Curtis Hill has announced plans to introduce legislation that would prohibit foreign state-owned companies from "adversarial countries" from purchasing Indiana farmland. Hill, a Republican, said that the bill would close loopholes in existing legislation and would also require the divestment of land currently owned by foreign state-owned companies from "adversarial countries."
Hill specifically highlighted China, which he claims owns around 380,000 acres of land in the state. He said that foreign investment in Indiana farmland is a "national security threat" and that he would not allow it to continue.
"Hoosier farms belong in Hoosier hands," Hill said in a statement. "Indiana is built upon our strong and storied agricultural foundation. We need to encourage and grow this vibrant sector and cannot afford to cede it to threats from abroad."
Hill's proposal comes as several other candidates have announced their intention to run for governor in 2024. The Republican primary is expected to be crowded, with candidates including Indiana's former secretary of commerce Brad Chambers, former Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill, current U.S. Senator for Indiana Mike Braun, Indiana's current lieutenant governor Suzanne Crouch, former president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation Eric Doden, and Jamie Reitenour.
In the Democratic primary, Jennifer McCormick, the former superintendent of public instruction for Indiana, has announced her intention to run for governor. Donald Rainwater, a Libertarian, has also announced his intention to run for the position.
Official candidate filing for the 2024 state and federal primary election does not start until January.
Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer
Categories: Indiana, Government & Policy